List of rivers of Zimbabwe facts for kids

Zimbabwe is a country in southern Africa, and like all places, it has many rivers! Rivers are super important because they provide water for people, animals, and plants. They also help shape the land and are home to lots of wildlife. This article will take you on a journey through the main rivers of Zimbabwe, showing you how they connect and where their waters eventually flow.

The main rivers of Zimbabwe with their catchment areas

Zimbabwe's Major Rivers

Rivers don't just flow in straight lines; they are part of bigger systems called drainage basins. Imagine a giant funnel: all the rain that falls in that area eventually flows into one main river. Smaller rivers that join a bigger one are called tributaries. Zimbabwe's rivers mostly flow into three huge river systems: the Zambezi, the Save, and the Limpopo.

The Mighty Zambezi River Basin

The Zambezi River is one of Africa's longest and most famous rivers. It forms a big part of Zimbabwe's northern border. Many rivers within Zimbabwe flow north to join the Zambezi. This river is known for its incredible Victoria Falls, a natural wonder!

• Zambezi River
  • Luenha River
    • Mazowe River (also called Mazoe River)
      • Ruya River (also called Luia River)
    • Gairezi River (also called Cauresi River)
  • Messenguézi River (also called Umsengedsi River)
    • Mecumbura River (also called Mkumvura River)
    • Kadzi River
  • Manyame River (also called Panhame River or Hunyani River)
    • Angwa River
  • Sanyati River (also called Umniati River)
    • Munyati River
      • Umsweswe River
      • Sebakwe River

* Kwekwe River

• • • • Ngezi River
    • Mupfure River (also called Umfuli River)
  • Bumi River
  • Sengwa River
  • Sengwe River
  • Masumu River
  • Sebungwe River
  • Gwayi River
    • Shangani River
      • Gweru River
      • Vungu River
    • Mbembesi River
    • Umguza River
  • Deka River
  • Matetsi River

The Save River and Its Many Branches

The Save River flows through eastern Zimbabwe and then into Mozambique, eventually reaching the Indian Ocean. It's a vital river for farming and wildlife in its basin.

• Save River (also called Sabi River)
  • Runde River (also called Lundi River)
    • Chiredzi River
    • Mutirikwe River (also called Mtilikwe River)
      • Mucheke River
      • Pokoteke River
    • Tokwe River
      • Tokwane River
    • Musavezi River
    • Ngezi River (also called Ingezi River)
  • Turwi River
  • Devure River
    • Nyazvidzi River
  • Nyazwidzi River
  • Odzi River
  • Macheke River

The Limpopo River: Southern Border

The Limpopo River forms Zimbabwe's southern border with South Africa. It's another major river that flows into the Indian Ocean. The areas around the Limpopo are often dry, so the river is very important for life there.

• Limpopo River
  • Changane River
  • Mwenezi River (also called Manisi River)
    • Mushawe River
  • Bubye River (also called Bubi River)
  • Mzingwane River (also called Umzingwani River)
    • Mtetengwe River
      • Tongwe River
    • Umchabezi River
    • Insiza River
      • Siwaze River
      • Inkankezi River
    • Inyankuni River
    • Ncema River
  • Shashe River (also called Shashi River)
    • Thuli River (also called Tuli River)
      • Mwewe River
      • Mtshabezi River
      • Mtshelele River
    • Shashani River
    • Mkolokwe River
    • Sansukwe River
    • Ramokgwebana River
      • Ingwizi River

Other Important Rivers

Not all rivers flow to the ocean. Some, like the Nata River, flow into inland basins. The Makgadikgadi Pan is a huge salt pan in Botswana, and the Nata River flows into it, creating a unique wetland environment.

• Nata River (flows into the Makgadikgadi Pan)